(TAN): The United States and Canada have agreed to temporarily close the border to all nonessential traffic in a bid to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
United States President Donald Trump took to Twitter to announce the decision.
“We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic,” President Trump tweeted.
[ALSO READ: Hong Kong’s tourist arrivals plunge 96% in February amid COVID-19 scare]
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau too said the decision to close the border was mutual.
“I spoke with President Trump this morning and we’ve agreed that both Canada and the United States will temporarily restrict all nonessential travel across the US-Canada border,” Trudeau said in a video that he shared on Twitter.
Earlier this week, Canada had closed its borders to non-Canadian citizens, with United States citizens exempt from the restriction, reports said.
President Trump added that the change will not have any impact on trade between the two countries.
“Trade will not be affected,” he said.
[ALSO READ: Northern Ireland: 3,000 tourism companies could go out of business owing to coronavirus]
Canada reportedly depends on the United States for approximately 75% of its exports and 18% of its imports.
According to reports, Trudeau said people will not be allowed to cross the border for recreation or tourism, although “essential travel will continue”.
“Travelers will no longer be permitted to cross the border for recreation and tourism. In both our countries, we’re encouraging people to stay home,” Prime Minister Trudeau was quoted by CNBC as saying.
“Our governments recognize that we preserve supply chains between both countries. These supply chains ensure that food, fuel and life-saving medicines reach people on both sides of the border. Supply chains including trucking will not be affected by this new measure,” he added.
The United States-Canada border, the longest between two countries, stretches across 8,891 kilometres, reports said.
Related posts:
United States, Canada, Mexico extend restrictions on nonessential travel for another month amid COVID-19
US, Canada likely to extend ban on nonessential travel until June 21
US-Canada border to remain closed to nonessential travel until at least June 21
United States extends border closure agreements with Mexico, Canada over COVID-19 concerns
